Noel....A Christmas Surprise!

Yep -- we got a dog! Noel is the newest addition to our family. She was the last gift given to the kids this morning and I managed to pull off the surprise. Collin was the only one who was REALLY excited. He was so overcome with emotion when I told him that we were keeping her forever that he started sobbing. It was too sweet. Dylan was excited, but not overly so. Alana could have cared less. She wanted to get back to her toys. I think she touched Noel once very briefly and hasn't even glanced at her since. At least Collin was happy! Noel was rescued from a puppy mill and is still pretty scared, but she is extremely tolerant even as she shakes in fear. It will take her a little while to get used to everything, but she is already a little momma's girl. She followed me around the house all morning. She doesn't like it when I get too far out of her sight!

We had a really great Christmas today. It was so wonderful to get together with our family. I tried to prepare as much as possible in advance and that definitely helped to make today less stressful. Great company and yummy food. I hope everyone's day was as blessed as ours!

Busy, Busy!

Life is very busy here. I'm scrambling to get ready for Christmas and to keep up with my three busy children! Plus, we are still trying to sell our other house. We've hired a new team of people, including a stager, general contractor who specializes in preparing homes for sale, and a new realtor. We've pulled it off the market to make changes and will be re-listing this spring. I've got my fingers crossed that it goes well!

The kids are all doing well. Collin is still plugging away at his homeschooling. I'm really proud of him. He is doing an excellent job! He and Dylan also started a gymnastics class recently. I felt it was important this winter to be sure they are getting plenty of activity. It is easy to stay cooped up in our house when they weather is so cold outside. Dylan loves gymnastics, but doesn't cooperate with his teachers. They are earning their pay with him -- that is for sure! Alana is doing great as well. She still loves school and is happy to go every day. She also goes to religious education for an hour and Chinese school for 2 1/2 hours every weekend and loves to tell everyone about all the schools she goes to!

I just ordered my Christmas cards this week, so *maybe* I will get them out before Christmas. Here is a picture I took of the kids that I included on the cards. It was so amazing that they all sat for the picture and were excited to do it. Dylan used to hate to sit still for pictures, but was very cooperative this time. My baby is growing up!!



I can't wait for Christmas. I just love to see my kids faces as they open their presents and to visit with all of our family. The kids are incredibly excited as well and are counting the days anxiously! Luckily we have quite a few fun things planned between now and then to keep them occupied! I'm also thinking about adding a new member to our family this year, but I'm not sure if Victor is on board yet. Collin has been wanting a pet for quite a while and it seems as though everywhere I turn people are talking about their pets. I looked into rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, but I keep coming back to a dog. We'll see what happens. We will certainly get a new dog eventually, we may just wait a little longer. I just think it would be so cool to get them one for Christmas. I can already see their faces lit up!!!